Woolmer supports ACC coaching initiative

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are working together to lift the standard of coaching in Asia under the umbrella of the ACC Development Program.

Coaching is at the top of the ACC’s agenda and ACC Development Manager, Zakir Hussain Syed, and the ICC High Performance Manager, Bob Woolmer, recently joined forces to stage a “Coaching for Coaches” course for leading coaches from 12 Asian countries in Karachi, Pakistan.

During the intensive week of practical learning, Woolmer took over 20 participants through an innovative course covering all areas of modern elite coaching. The course included sessions with specialists in sports psychology, physical training and sports vision, all increasingly a part of cricket coaching at the highest level.

Woolmer was impressed with the organisation of the event and the commitment of the participants.

“The response from the coaches was excellent. I am confident that after this course the vision of the attendees would broaden and they would be able to contribute better towards the promotion of the game,” said Bob.

Mr. Zakir was pleased that Indian coaches Roger Binny and Dr. Vece Paes were amongst those in attendance.

“At a time when Pakistan and India don’t enjoy cricket relations, the presence of two high profile Indian cricket officials can be termed as a big achievement. This not only confirms the importance of the event, but might also help in reviving the relations,” said Mr. Zakir.

Certificates were distributed by ICC Vice President Ehsan Mani who explained that this would be the first of a number of courses planned by the ACC.

Academies in pipeline

The ICC has given its backing to the ACC’s decision to create three cricket academies to service the growing demand amongst the Associate and Affiliate countries within Asia.

“We have identified the creation of suitable training facilities as being of the utmost importance,” said ACC Development Manager, Zakir Hussain Syed.

“Accordingly regional Academies will be created in Dubai and Malaysia, while a central academy is planned for Nepal.”

The exact design of the academies is yet to be determined but the ACC is drawing on a wide range of experts. The ICC High Performance Manager, Bob Woolmer, inspected the existing facilities in Dubai during his visit there in October, and it is hoped that the Australian Cricket Board will provide advice in regard to Malaysia and Nepal.

ICC Development Manager, Andrew Eade, has also worked closely with Zakir Hussain Syed to ensure that the various options are carefully considered.

“Zakir and I met in Sri Lanka and discussed the proposal in some depth. The ICC is delighted that the ACC is being so proactive in developing cricket within their region and supports the concept of the academies,” said Andrew.

“The ACC is aware that a successful academy is not so much about the facilites created, but instead the programs put in place for the cricketers who attend. I am sure that with the guidance of the Australian Cricket Board, whose Academy is widely respected, they will create three excellent academies of their own.”